Coach's Notes:

This amazing woman is one of my favorite examples of what #builtbyCFTO means! I have had the pleasure of coaching her for a few years now, even through the pandemic, and every single day she is improving on something. Whether it’s getting stronger, crushing gymnastics, or locking down her diet, Nicole makes it look effortless. She is one of the kindest people I have ever met and I am constantly seeing her reach out to newcomers and making new friends. She exemplifies community beyond our four walls and she has proudly represented CFTO at numerous competitions and finished on the podium many times. It has been my honor to watch her grow and progress and every class I look forward to see what she’s going to do next. Her fitness journey is amazing enough, but who she is as a person is something that all of us at CFTO strive to emulate. You’re out of this world, Marrs; thank you for making our place better.

- Coach Jeremy

Athlete Spotlight: Nicole Marrs

My fitness journey started back in 2008 when I began attending group fitness classes on my lunch break at work. The power sculpt, core, and kickboxing classes helped me build a solid foundation in fitness and I saw changes in my body like toned arms and stronger legs. But after a few years, I certainly felt that I had hit a plateau and was rarely seeing any gains or advances in my fitness level. I had one particular goal in mind but was having a hard time achieving it: I wanted to be able to do two consecutive strict pull-ups.

I was introduced to CrossFit a couple of years ago but was hesitant to check it out; I had seen CrossFit athletes before and they were way out of my league! I had never worked with a barbell in my life, had no idea what “toes to bar” meant, and I couldn’t even do two consecutive strict pull-ups! CrossFit was so intimidating. But, I made a deal with myself to at least go to the trial class and decide from there. I set it up with Coach Jeremy and as soon as I walked in, Coach Sharr found me and made me feel right at home. She shadowed me during that first class, ensuring that the movements were scaled to my ability and that my form was on track to prevent injury. The other athletes attending class were warm and welcoming and were encouraging me, even though they had just met me. I was hooked.

I have now been on my CrossFit journey for two years and can’t say enough good things about it. One of the things I love is that the coaches really get to know you so that they are in tune with your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. It feels like personal training, even in a group class setting. Another thing I love is that we keep track of our workouts so that you can actually see the progress being made. There is nothing more motivating than tangible progress. When I first started CrossFit, I couldn’t do two consecutive pull-ups. Now I can do 7!

In addition to being in the best shape of my life and being taught by incredible coaches, the friendships I’ve made through my CrossFit experience are invaluable. CrossFit Thousand Oaks is truly a family. There is something about people doing hard things together and cheering each other on that produces tight bonds.

I’ve heard some people say they don’t want to come to CrossFit because they’re “not in good enough shape”. I’m here to tell you that there are no prerequisites needed to start CrossFit. The more-than-competent coaches will meet you where you are and make sure that you are doing movements that match your fitness level. The first step is worth taking. Come join this amazing CFTO family!